Traveling for the Aviation Americas Festival: Tips for Recording Events and Traveling with Camera Gear
When Andrae from Altrr Photography called about flying down to Miami from NYC for Aviation Festival Americas, I was happy to oblige. I haven’t worked with Andrae for over a decade, so it was a great reunion. He drove down from Atlanta, while I took the flight from New York, so we both had a bit of a trek.
Filming events like this can be both exciting and exhausting, especially when you’re juggling long hours and the challenges of travel. The Aviation Festival Americas is one of the largest gatherings of aviation professionals in the Western Hemisphere, bringing together industry leaders, tech innovators, and aviation enthusiasts from all over the globe. It's a chance to record cutting-edge discussions on the future of air travel, new technologies, and the opportunities and challenges in the industry.
The Logistics of Filming at a Big Event
Traveling for events like the Aviation Americas Festival can feel daunting, especially when you're responsible for capturing everything on film. The long days, tight schedules, and constant movement around the venue can leave you feeling drained—but the rewards are well worth it. For me, it’s about capturing the energy of the event, the behind-the-scenes moments, and the stories that unfold over the course of the conference.
When you're filming at a large-scale event, it's important to be prepared for long hours and unpredictable schedules. On our first day at the Aviation Festival, we recorded over ten interviews in one day. Andrae, who continued with another ten interviews the following day, was a trooper. The sheer volume of content being created can be overwhelming, but with the right planning and equipment, it becomes a smooth process.
Traveling with Camera Gear: Organization & Safety First
One of the biggest challenges when traveling for an event is figuring out how to transport your camera gear safely. You can’t afford to take risks with fragile equipment, especially when you’ll be away from home for an extended period. I always make sure not to check any cameras, and I never check batteries, as they’re not allowed in checked luggage due to airline regulations.
Having reliable and organized storage for my gear is key to staying efficient and calm when traveling. That’s where the Nanuk 935 travel case comes in handy. This hard-shell case provides maximum protection while keeping everything organized. The customizable foam inserts keep my cameras, lenses, and other equipment secure, even during the bumpy plane ride. It's an essential piece of gear for anyone traveling with high-end photography equipment. I’ve never had an issue with my gear being damaged, and the size of the Nanuk 935 fits perfectly as a carry-on.
Tips for Traveling with Photography Gear
Plan Ahead for Airport Security – TSA can be a bit of a challenge when traveling with camera gear, so I make sure all my electronics are easily accessible for inspection. I carry my gear in a way that makes the process as smooth as possible—lenses in one pocket, camera bodies in another, and cables all neatly packed.
Consider Your Bag’s Size and Weight – It’s easy to overpack, especially when you’re traveling for an event where you’ll need multiple lenses and cameras. But be mindful of the size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags. A heavy bag will only slow you down and cause unnecessary stress. The Nanuk 935 is light enough to be easy to handle but robust enough to hold everything you need.
Protect Your Batteries – Remember, you can’t check your batteries, but you can bring them in your carry-on. Pack them securely in a separate compartment or case to avoid any risk of short-circuiting.
Keep Backup Equipment – When you’re filming an important event, you can’t afford to have equipment fail on you. I always travel with extra batteries, memory cards, and even a backup camera body.
The Rewards of Event Filming
Despite the challenges, filming at an event like the Aviation Americas Festival is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to be able to document such a high-profile gathering of professionals, to meet industry leaders, and to capture moments that will live on far beyond the event itself. The content we created—from interviews with experts to dynamic event footage—will serve as a valuable resource for future marketing, promotion, and storytelling for the aviation community.
One of the highlights of my time filming at the festival was putting together a montage that not only captured the excitement of the event but also served as a welcome video for future festivals. It’s an opportunity to create something that will excite future attendees, as well as showcase the growth and evolution of the aviation industry.
Connecting with the Aviation Community
One of the things that truly stood out to me at the Aviation Americas Festival was the sense of community among attendees. Aviation professionals from every corner of the industry came together to share ideas, foster new partnerships, and inspire innovation. The energy at the event was contagious. Whether it was the passionate panel discussions or the bustling exhibition floor, you could feel that everyone was eager to contribute to the future of aviation.
To learn more about the Aviation Festival Americas and get involved in future events, visit the official website: Aviation Festival Americas. It's a great resource for anyone looking to stay on top of the latest trends in aviation, or for those who want to be part of a growing, dynamic community.
Conclusion
Filming events is a lot of work, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s a chance to travel, meet interesting people, and create content that tells powerful stories. And with the right preparation, the logistics of traveling with camera gear can be a smooth process. Whether you’re attending a high-profile industry event or documenting a local gathering, the key is to stay organized, be prepared for the unexpected, and keep your gear safe.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this year’s Aviation Americas and look forward to future projects in the aviation space. Until next time, happy travels and happy filming!
